The 12 Makeup Mistakes That Are Aging You
Pretty Girl Makeup CEO and NBC California Live beauty expert Christina Flach shares 12 common makeup mistakes that are secretly aging your face — and exactly how to fix them.
Are your makeup habits secretly adding years to your face? Pretty Girl Makeup CEO, NBC California Live beauty expert, and I’m Too Busy Podcast host Christina Flach was featured in Women.com sharing her expert anti-aging makeup advice — and it’s packed with tips every woman needs to know.
1. Too Much Powder
Heavy powder sits in fine lines and wrinkles, making them more prominent. Apply only where you truly need it and swap to a primer that does the work instead.
2. Skipping Primer
Think of primer as double-sided tape for your face. It locks in your skincare, keeps your makeup in place, and prevents it from settling into fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Not Moisturizing First
Makeup on dry skin never looks its best. A light moisturizer before your primer and foundation is non-negotiable for a youthful, dewy finish.
4. Too Much Concealer
Heavy concealer under the eyes sinks into fine lines and draws attention to exactly what you’re trying to hide. Go lighter, go more targeted, and blend well.
5. Wrong Blush Placement
Applying blush on the apples of your cheeks can pull the face downward. Sweep it diagonally from the top of the ear inward to lift and sculpt your features.
6. Thin Brows
Fuller, slightly darker brows are universally more youthful. Sparse or over-tweezed brows age the face significantly — so fill them in and embrace the thickness.
7. Too Much Black Eyeliner
Heavy black liner closes off the eye and can add years instantly. Switch to warm browns or taupes and try tightlining for a more open, youthful look.
8. Wrong Mascara
Clumpy, smudging mascara is one of the most aging things you can put on your face. Look for lengthening, separating formulas that won’t transfer under the eyes.
9. Skipping Lip Liner
Christina Flach advises choosing a lip liner one shade lighter than your lipstick, especially for women over 40. Darker lines are aging — go lighter for a more youthful pout.
10. Wrong Lipstick
Avoid overly neutral shades without definition and skip the heavy mattes. A little gloss adds instant youthfulness and keeps lips looking full and fresh.
11. Wrong Foundation
Heavy, matte foundations cling to dry patches and sink into wrinkles. Choose a lighter, more hydrating formula that matches your skin tone perfectly and let bronzer or blush do the color work.
12. Harsh Contouring
Over-contouring makes the face look angular and gaunt — the opposite of youthful. Focus your contour on the jawline instead of the cheeks for a more lifted, natural result.
Read the full feature and book a personalized makeup lesson with Christina Flach at christinaflach.com — serving San Francisco, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Carmel, and Cabo San Lucas